US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela, including potential strikes aimed at drug cartels. Recently, US forces conducted at least five strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking, reportedly resulting in 27 fatalities. UN human rights experts have described these actions as “extrajudicial executions.”
Trump indicated that the US is exploring further military actions in the region, mentioning to reporters that the US “is looking at land” for possible strikes. This operation appears to be part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is not recognized by the US and other nations as the legitimate leader due to disputed elections.
Concerns in Caracas have escalated regarding a potential military escalation by the US, particularly in light of Trump’s authorization reportedly allowing unilateral CIA operations in Venezuela. However, it remains unclear if any specific plans are underway or merely exist as contingencies.
In response to a question about his CIA authorization, Trump cited two main reasons: the influx of Venezuelan prisoners into the US and the trafficking of drugs, particularly by sea. He refrained from addressing whether the CIA’s mandate includes efforts to remove Maduro, who has a $50 million bounty on his head offered by the US.
The most recent US strike occurred on Tuesday, targeting a boat near Venezuela’s coast that allegedly transported narcotics, although specifics about the trafficking organization remain unspecified. Following these military actions, Maduro ordered defense exercises, mobilizing military and civilian forces to safeguard national sovereignty and denounce perceived US hostility. Venezuelan officials, including Maduro and Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, have strongly criticized US actions, framing them as attempts at regime change and resource pillage.
Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, positioning warships and aircraft as part of efforts to combat drug smuggling, while indicating that it is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” against drug-trafficking groups, which it alleges are linked to Maduro’s administration.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0ex1jq9pdvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss